No. Wyoming Statute § 31-5-213 explicitly prohibits operating a motor vehicle while wearing headphones or earphones that impair auditory perception of surrounding traffic. Violations are punishable as a misdemeanor under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-213(c), with potential fines up to $750. Local ordinances in Teton County and Laramie further restrict headphone use in school zones, though enforcement remains rare. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has signaled potential 2026 legislative amendments to align with stricter national distracted-driving standards.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Wyoming
- Statutory Ban: Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-213(c) criminalizes headphone use that “impairs the ability to hear” traffic signals, sirens, or other vehicles. Single-ear headsets are permitted only if one ear remains uncovered.
- Local Variations: Municipalities like Jackson and Cheyenne may impose additional restrictions in high-pedestrian areas, though no formal ordinances currently exist beyond state law.
- Enforcement Priorities: WYDOT’s 2024 distracted-driving campaign prioritizes handheld device use over headphones, but officers may cite violations if auditory impairment is evident during accidents or traffic stops.